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Tom Reed,who previously covered the Blue Jackets for The Dispatch, is back after a five-year absence while working for the newspaper in that city up north: Cleveland. Follow him on Twitter at @treed1919

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Hinote Leaving Blue Jackets

Posted Jun 3, 2014
by Aaron Portzline

Assistant coach Dan Hinote has informed the Blue Jackets that he won’t be signing a contract extension with the rest of coach Todd Richards’ staff. Hinote, citing a “private family matter,” will move to Chicago later this summer, he told The Dispatch. He declined to comment further.

The Blue Jackets hired Hinote as a third assistant coach four seasons ago, after his playing career ended with a season in Europe. He was promoted to replace Keith Acton two years ago when Acton left for Edmonton.

Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen signed Richards to a two-year extension last month, putting him under contract through the 2016-17 season. The assistants are next in line for long-term deals.

Associate coach Craig Hartsburgh and goaltending coach Ian Clark are expected to sign extensions in the near future to match Richards’ term.

Now, Kekalainen is accepting applications.

The Blue Jackets will definitely fill Hinote’s spot, but Kekalainen said they could hire another assistants – many NHL clubs have three – if the right fit is found. Richards will have a role in the hiring process.

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